Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on Friday that his government “has not damaged relations with the United States,” but acknowledged that “certain differences” remain — particularly over policies toward Serbia and the dismantling of what Pristina calls “illegal structures”.
Speaking at the 269th regular session of his cabinet, Kurti addressed Washington’s recent decision to indefinitely suspend the planned Strategic Dialogue with Kosovo. “I do not wish to minimize the recent developments,” he said, stressing that his cabinet takes the positions of the U.S. Embassy “very seriously.”
“We have not damaged our relations with America, but we do have certain differences. While the opposition exaggerates every issue related to our relations with the U.S. government, I assure our citizens that our government treats the statements and positions of the U.S. Embassy seriously,” Kurti told the session.
He clarified that communication with the U.S. Embassy continues, and that the suspension applies to planning for the Strategic Dialogue — not the process itself, nor regular contacts.
Kurti said his government has sought to strengthen three main pillars of ties with Washington: diplomacy, security and development. “In diplomacy, we have some differences, very often concerning our positions on Serbia and our actions against its illegal structures in Kosovo. While we agree on values, interests and goals, we sometimes disagree on operational and tactical matters,” he noted.
The session continued with the rest of the agenda items.
Washington Suspends Strategic Dialogue
The U.S. announced on September 12 that it was indefinitely suspending the planned Strategic Dialogue with Kosovo, citing actions by Kurti’s government that “increased tensions and instability.”
“We remain committed to advancing joint interests shared by the United States and the people of Kosovo. Our relationship with Kosovo is based on a common goal: strengthening peace and stability as a basis for mutual economic prosperity,” the U.S. Embassy in Pristina said in a statement.
It added that “recent actions and statements by Caretaker Prime Minister Kurti have posed challenges to progress made over many years.”
The Strategic Dialogue, launched in 2021 and reconfirmed in 2022, was intended to “strengthen economic and diplomatic ties to the benefit of both the American and Kosovan people.” The embassy said it hopes such efforts can continue “when appropriate,” acknowledging that this remains a priority for Kosovo citizens.
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani reacted to the U.S. announcement by voicing concern and pledging “maximum efforts” to resume the dialogue.
Earlier, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Anu Pratipati expressed disappointment with Kurti’s remarks criticizing Kosovo’s Constitutional Court, which he called “a political shadow of the opposition.” “We are disappointed with the recent actions and statements of Acting Prime Minister Kurti, which have increased instability and insecurity in Kosovo,” Pratipati said.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
